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Slovakia's leader rejects an EU plan to
halt Russian natural gas imports by the end of 2027
[May 07, 2025]
BRATISLAVA, Slovakia (AP) — Slovakia’s populist leader on
Wednesday blasted a European Union plan to halt imports of Russian
natural gas by the end of 2027 to deprive President Vladimir Putin of
revenue that helps fuel the war in Ukraine.
The European Commission, the bloc's executive branch, will present a
detailed plan next month. It will seek to ban new gas contracts with
Russia by the end of this year and phase out existing ones still in use
in the 27-nation EU by the end of 2027. |
Slovakia's Prime Minister Robert Fico speaks at the Conservative
Political Action Conference, CPAC, at the Gaylord National Resort &
Convention Center, Feb. 21, 2025, in Oxon Hill, Md. (AP Photo/Jose Luis
Magana, File) |
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Slovakia's Prime Minister Robert Fico said the plan is
“absolutely unacceptable” for his country and that his
government was ready to veto it. He said the move would be
harmful for Slovakia and the entire EU, because the price of gas
will increase as a result.
Slovakia has a gas delivery deal with Russia that expires in
2034, and Fico said that he would seek compensations for
damages, if the plan proceeds.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, who is
pressing ahead with the plan, told EU lawmakers that Russia has
proven time and again that it is not a reliable energy supplier.
“Dependency on Russia is not only bad for our security, but also
for our economy. Our energy prices cannot be dictated by a
hostile neighbor,” she told members of the European Parliament
in Strasbourg, France.
Fico also rejected a proposal to halt imports of oil and nuclear
fuel from Russia to the European Union.
Hungary and Slovakia — whose leaders are considered to be
Putin’s closest allies in Europe — have blocked EU military
assistance to Ukraine and have been expected to oppose the
European Commission’s gas plans.
Fico, a divisive figure at home and abroad, returned to power in
2003 after his leftist Smer (Direction) party won a
parliamentary election on a pro-Russia and anti-American
platform. Known for his pro-Russia views, he has openly
challenged the EU’s policies over Ukraine.
He is set to become the only EU leader to travel to Moscow for
festivities on Friday marking the 80th anniversary of the defeat
of Nazi Germany in World War II. It will be his second trip to
Moscow since December.
His government has faced vocal protests against its pro-Russian
stance and other policies.
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